Pacific NW Low Carbon Scenario Analysis presentation available

Arne Olson and E3 (Energy + Environmental Economics) have prepared a new study evaluating the effectiveness and cost of various policy approaches for achieving deep decarbonization of the electricity generating system in the Northwest. The approaches evaluated include carbon taxation and “cap and trade”, a prohibition on new natural gas development, increases in renewable portfolio standards, and a flat cap on carbon emissions.

It should be noted that the study considers each of these approaches in isolation and does not consider hybrid solutions that might, for instance, combine an increase in the renewable portfolio standard with a ban on coal.